Homeless youth and unaccompanied students face a unique set of challenges. Many of them face seemingly insurmountable barriers to academic success. In fact, without a community of support and a network of resources, many of these students struggle academically.
This month’s student brag is about a student who overcame those barriers. Jordan is a senior at Northwest High School. Jordan first came to the Communities In Schools office at the beginning of the school year. She was no longer living with her guardians, needed help finding a place to stay, and needed help to ensure her basic needs were met. Jordan participated in the CIS Snack Pack program. She also utilized CIS resources to apply for the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) and Medicaid. She never hesitated to make me aware of any of her needs.
Jordan knew early on that school needed to be a priority, and that her rocky living arrangements weren’t helping her academically. She made the decision to graduate early, knowing it would free up more of her time to work and support herself. She chose this path knowing it would mean harder classes, more homework, online courses, and better attendance. Her school counselor, her teachers, and I all worked together with Jordan to make this a reality.
On January 16th, Jordan finished her last exam and completed high school. Jordan had every opportunity to drop out. However, despite facing family conflict, behavior issues at school, and unstable living situations, Jordan defied all stereotypes of unaccompanied/homeless youth. She chose to commit to her goal, relied on a community of support, and created a better future for herself. When I think about the impact that Communities In Schools of North Texas can have on student’s lives, I will always think of Jordan.
